FBI Seeks Near Real-Time Access to US License Plate Readers
Original: The FBI Wants ‘Near Real-Time’ Access to US License Plate Readers
Why This Matters
Expands federal surveillance capabilities through nationwide vehicle tracking infrastructure
The FBI is planning to purchase nationwide access to automated license plate reader cameras, seeking near real-time data about vehicle movements across major US highways and locations, according to procurement records revealed this week.
Recently published FBI Directorate of Intelligence procurement records show the agency preparing to pay millions for access to roadside ALPR data captured by cameras that photograph every passing vehicle. The system records license plates, locations, timestamps, and other data into searchable databases typically used by local law enforcement and some federal agencies. FBI documents state the agency has a crucial need for accessible LPRs across the United States, particularly on major highways and diverse locations for maximum law enforcement utility. The procurement specifies that data access must be provided in near real-time. This revelation comes as bipartisan US lawmakers separately proposed legislation to crack down on automatic license plate readers, which would effectively prevent state and local governments from using the surveillance technology for police tracking.